When Robert Lewandowski met Lamine Yamal, the Polish striker knew he was dealing with someone special.
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Since bursting onto the scene in his debut season last year, Lamine Yamal has established himself as an essential figure in Barcelona's starting eleven.
At just 17 years old, Yamal has displayed maturity and technical ability beyond his years, quickly becoming a player to watch in European football. His meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed, especially by teammates like Robert Lewandowski, who has been awestruck by the young winger’s natural talent.
In a conversation on Rio Ferdinand's podcast, Lewandowski reflected on the first time he saw Yamal in action. "It was the first time in my career that I looked at someone and thought, 'Wow, he has something special,'" the Polish striker admitted. Such praise from a veteran like Lewandowski, with over two decades of experience at the highest level, underscores just how unique Yamal’s abilities are.
Despite his excitement about Yamal's potential, Lewandowski is acutely aware of the challenges the young winger will face as he tries to build a long-lasting career. "I think it's different for young players now," Lewandowski noted. "The hardest thing for Lamine will be maintaining his level at the top for ten to fifteen years, staying at the same level until he's 28 or 29. With the demands of the game today, I think it's very difficult for a player to stay at the top for more than ten years."
Lewandowski, now 36 and nearly twice Yamal’s age, sees it as part of his role to mentor the next generation. However, he acknowledges that the approach to guiding young players has evolved significantly compared to when he was starting out. "I try to give him small bits of advice," he said. "But things are different now. When I was young, it was all about becoming stronger. Older players would shout at you and challenge you; that’s how it was 15 years ago. You’d go onto the pitch so motivated, and you couldn’t hold back because you were so driven."
He explained that times have changed not just in football, but in life as a whole. "Now, I think young players don’t like it as much when someone shouts at them. Things have changed. And it’s not just in football, it’s in life, in work young people don’t like it as much. I’m not saying you can’t talk to them firmly, but you can’t shout at them all the time. So, you have to adapt, you have to find the balance now."
Lewandowski's comments reveal the generational shift in football culture. As a young player at Borussia Dortmund and later Bayern Munich, Lewandowski was accustomed to a more rigid and demanding environment, where senior players often used tough love as a motivational tool. For Yamal and others in his age group, that approach might not resonate in the same way. Instead, today’s stars-in-the-making respond better to constructive dialogue, encouragement, and guidance that respects their individuality.
Yamal’s case is particularly intriguing because he has already drawn comparisons to some of football’s all-time greats, including Lionel Messi, who also rose through the ranks at Barcelona at a young age. The pressure to succeed at a club like Barcelona is immense, and Lewandowski is well aware of how this can affect a young player. "He’s incredibly talented, but talent alone isn’t enough," Lewandowski remarked. "It’s about staying consistent, avoiding injuries, and handling the mental side of the game. That’s the real challenge."
While Lewandowski is cautious in his assessment, he remains optimistic about Yamal’s future. "He has the right environment here at Barcelona," he said. "He’s surrounded by players who can guide him, and he has a coach who understands how to develop young talent. If he listens, works hard, and stays humble, there’s no limit to what he can achieve."
For Yamal, having an experienced teammate like Lewandowski offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the game’s most accomplished players. Lewandowski’s understanding of the game, combined with his willingness to adapt his mentorship style to suit Yamal’s needs, could be a crucial factor in the young winger’s development.
As Barcelona continues to rebuild its squad with a mix of young talent and experienced leaders, Yamal’s story symbolizes the club’s commitment to nurturing the next generation. If he can heed Lewandowski’s advice and overcome the challenges of modern football, Yamal has the potential to become one of the defining players of his era. For now, his focus will be on continuing to shine in Catalonia, earning the respect of his teammates and the admiration of fans worldwide.
